PEG ether of oleyl alcohol with 10 ethylene oxide units. A nonionic emulsifier and solubilizer for oil-in-water emulsions. Well tolerated by skin, pregnancy-safe.
Topical application
BLimited evidence. One RCT or several controlled studies with limitations.
Functional nonionic emulsifier. Safety confirmed by CIR. 1,4-dioxane regulated in EU.
Oleth-10 is a nonionic emulsifier produced by ethoxylating oleyl alcohol with ten ethylene oxide molecules. INCI: Oleth-10. A waxy mass with an HLB around 12, making it a suitable emulsifier for o/w systems. In cosmetics it is used in creams, lotions, micellar solutions and products with oils in a water base. It stabilizes the emulsion and helps dissolve fragrance components and oil-soluble actives. Use levels run from 0.5 to 5%. Pregnancy safety. Skin absorption into the systemic circulation is minimal. CIR rates the Oleth-2 to Oleth-50 family as acceptable on intact skin. Skin profile. Low to moderate irritation potential. Low allergen risk. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for all skin types, but at high concentrations (>5%) sensitive skin may sting. On a damaged barrier PEG ethoxylates may contain traces of 1,4-dioxane, a manufacturing contaminant regulated to 10 ppm in the EU.
Irritation potential
LowAllergen risk
LowPregnancy
SafeSuitable for
Use with caution
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to Wildberries, Goldapple, Letu, iHerb, Sephora and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Oleth-10 is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
Oleth-10 suits: normal, dry, combination, oily. Use with caution in: sensitive.
PEG ether of oleyl alcohol with 10 ethylene oxide units.
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
The INCI name is Oleth-10. It may also appear as: PEG-10 Oleyl Ether, Олет-10.
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